Valves, valves everywhere and not a drop of fluid to regulate! Your car is made up of a lot of different components and one of those components is a valve. Actually, there are over two dozen different valves used throughout your car. Although each valve has a specific job, the main functions of valves are to regulate fluids, liquids, or air flow. They are each made out of different materials, such as steel, iron, or copper, and come in different shapes and sizes.
Types of Valves
There is quite an assortment of automotive valves so let's take a close look at the most frequently used valves.
* '''A/C Valve''' - Air conditioning valves, also known as expansion valves, regulate the amount of refrigerant used in the air conditioning system. Two other types of these valves include TXV and the 'H Block' valve.
* '''Brake Valve''' - The most common type of valve. It adjusts the pressure between the front and rear brakes.
* '''Carburetor Valve''' - Used to mix air and fuel for combustion, meaning it helps create energy from your fuel.
* '''Check Valve''' - This valve is like an air traffic controller. It makes sure the mixture of gases and liquids only flow in one direction.
* '''Engine Valve''' - Controls the flow of fluids and gases in the engine.
* '''Magnetic Valve''' - It allows for the mixture of air and fuel to circulate to different parts of the engine.
* '''Pressure Relief Valve''' - This valve's job is to make sure there is a proper amount of fluid and pressure being released. It will shut down when the amount of pressure reaches a safe limit.
* '''Thermostat Valve''' - It monitors and controls the amount of coolant in your car's radiator.
Valve Parts
You car systems need valves to work, and naturally, your valves need certain parts to function as well. Such is the car cycle of life. Valve covers are used to, well, cover the valve and protect them from corrosion and particles or from freezing up in the winter. Valve lifters apply pressure against the camshaft which allows it to move. (The camshaft is located in your engine and helps your engine run.) A valve cover gasket covers the valve on the engine and keeps oil from leaking out. A valve stem seal prevents wear on the car's combustion chamber and limits the amount of oil in the chamber as well. These are just a few of the valve parts. Others include the valve seal, stem, springs, and more.
